Labskaus is a hearty but healthy stew that originated on board ship at a time when the great sailing ships had to take provisions for voyages lasting months on end. Labskaus is served with rollmop herrings, fried egg and pickled gherkins, and should be washed down with beer and schnapps.

Hamburg "aalsuppe" (eel soup) is a stock made from meat cooked on the bone garnished with vegetables and most importantly, dried fruit. Its typical sweet and sour taste comes from the addition of vinegar.

Red fruit compote ("rote grütze") consists of blackcurrants, raspberries and cherries boiled with water then sieved to remove the pips and sweetened with sugar and thickened using cornflour. It is served with custard, cream or cold milk.